This episode of Congress in Context examines the high-stakes legislative environment of March 10, 2026, as the Senate navigates a 25-day shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security amidst a "borderline obnoxious" partisan stalemate over funding and immigration reforms. While the chamber successfully invokes cloture on the Housing for the 21st Century Act to tackle soaring home prices and regulatory barriers, the floor is dominated by a fierce debate over "Operation Epic Fury" in Iran. Minority leadership challenges the administration’s "addiction to chaos" and shifting rationales for war, while majority members defend the operation as a decisive blow against nuclear proliferation and a vital exercise in "peace through strength". The session further delves into the complexities of the SAVE America Act, with warnings that new voter ID requirements could disenfranchise millions of citizens, alongside a push to regulate cryptocurrency ATMs and prevent industry bailouts. The episode also highlights rare bipartisan action in the passage of the HONOR Act, which denies tax credits to the Russian Federation, and features a detailed, data-driven critique from the Senate floor regarding the nutritional content of popular coffee beverages.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

March 10, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

• Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644): Also referred to as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, this bill aims to increase the housing supply, reduce regulatory barriers, and make homeownership more affordable,,.
• Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7147): Legislation intended to fund the Department of Homeland Security and resolve an ongoing 25-day government shutdown,.
• HONOR Act (S. 327): Formally known as the Hindering Oppressive Nations from Obtaining Revenue Act, this bipartisan bill denies foreign tax credits or deductions for taxes paid to the Russian Federation.
• SAVE America Act: A bill focused on voter eligibility and registration requirements; critics argue it would disenfranchise millions by complicating identification standards.
• Working Families Tax Cut Act: This act made several tax cuts permanent, including an increase in the child tax credit to $2,200 and enhancements for employer-provided childcare.
• Pay Less at the Pump Act: Introduced to lower energy costs by repealing the Superfund tax on crude oil.
• Government Surveillance Reform Act: A forthcoming bipartisan, bicameral bill intended to reform surveillance authorities like Section 702 of FISA and address the purchase of data from brokers.
• War Powers Resolutions: Five new resolutions filed to debate the legal basis and duration of military operations in Iran.